PASD Announces Lunch Assistance Program

Phoenixville Area School District announces a new initiative which will allow interested individuals to help our neediest families by contributing to a fund to pay off outstanding lunch balances. A true community effort, with support from multiple individuals and organizations, this is an opportunity for anyone in our community to assist with a tax deductible donation in any amount. The Phoenixville Community Education Foundation has established a special account for this program, which can be accessed at their website: www.pcefonline.com/donate

PASD, along with our food service provider, Whitsons, is committed to providing nutritious, appetizing meals that promote health, well-being and learning. The cafeteria meals are prepared fresh daily from locally sourced ingredients whenever available and in season. We offer a variety of meal choices and Smart Snack options that meet NSLP (National School Lunch Program), HHFKA (Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act) and state nutrition guidelines and are analyzed and approved by a Registered Dietitian.

We currently have 27% of our school population (approximately 1100 students) who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. There are challenges within the program, as families must reapply each year, and many may not even realize they qualify for the program. We have other families who may fall on hard times later in the school year, and be in need of immediate assistance.

Over the course of a school year, many of our student’s food accounts may become overdrawn. When that happens, an automatic phone call goes home to the parents to let them know the account is in arrears. At no time is the student questioned on the status of the account, and no child goes without a lunch, regardless of their ability to pay. Each year PASD accrues approximately $3500 in unpaid breakfast and lunch bills.

The program has already received seed money from a generous donor in the amount of $500. PASD Board President Lisa Longo and Phoenixville Borough Council member Jeremy Dalton have committed to working to ensure this effort is completely funded. You can join them by contributing funds to help bring student meal accounts current for our most vulnerable families. Your tax deductible donation in any amount can make a big difference in the lives of our families who live with food insecurity issues on a daily basis.

Visit www.pcefonline.com/sla to add your support to this important effort.